It's rare that I get to do the whole 'Oh my god what do you mean you've never seen *insert amazing film here*' thing. It's normally done to me. I can't even remember what I was referencing to my other half when I mentioned The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but he said he'd never seen it! In truth, my Dad forced me to watch it at the same time as I watched the Monty Python films with him, and I probably haven't seen it since. I bought the DVD a few days ago though, and last night, we watched it.
Have you got your towel? Okay, let's do this...
Poor Arthur Dent (Martin Freeman) is having a bad day. The council is trying to knock down his house to create a by-pass, even though his is the only house for miles around. Just to make things worse, his home planet is destroyed, but he is rescued by his friend, who he never knew was actually an alien. Still with me? Arthur's friend Ford (Mos Def) is a researcher, and he's putting together a new edition of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
Honestly, I think this is a bit of a marmite film. You either get it, and think it's hilarious, or you just don't, and how can you like a film that you just don't understand? I for one love it. It's the perfect mixture of silliness, irony, and great storytelling. A little bit of slapstick, anyone? I probably would love this film if I hadn't fallen asleep, twice, trying to watch it!! I promise I will give it another go soon, maybe on a plane ride this weekend and then I can add more to this but until then, enjoy Allies review...
The story does move at a bit of a crazy pace, and if you enjoy the film I recommended that you read the books, as a lot has been crammed in to a short space of time. The cast is just perfect in my opinion, although I read a post on the IMDB boards where people were discussing who they would have cast, or who they would cast now. I think that would make a great future post!
I think I may have to create a '10 Things I Love About...' post for this, because I could ramble for hours at this rate!
Getting back on track, the visual effects are great for the age of this film. If you watch it for the first time now, you probably won't be impressed, but 9 years ago they were great. If you liked Monty Python, give this a go, and if you've got a book-shaped hole in your life at the moment, then you should definitely give the books a go. For now though, so long and thanks for all the fish!
I haven't seen any of the Monty Python films, is that bad?! Oops! That's terrible! Forget Flick Chicks movie nights, we need Flick Chicks movie marathons!
I always seem to remember you laughing the most at the name -Slartibartfast . I still rate the TV series better but the film is pretty good fun. I need to get the so long and thanks for all the fish song on my Iphone now.
ReplyDeleteOh. And what sort of person has never seen any of the Monty Python films...'shakes head and walks slowly away'
ReplyDeleteHaha THANKS DAD! Who doesn't laugh at the name Slartibartfast? Did you have to Google that? I think we need a family Monty Python night soon...
Delete- Allie
Fun review of very fun and very odd movie. Love Mos Def, too. And yes Jenna, I think you should watch at least one Monty Python flick to see if you like them.
ReplyDeleteThank you :) Mos Def is great, it took me ages to put 2 and 2 together and realise who he was in Dexter! I think everyone needs to witness a Monty Python film in their time :D
Delete- Allie
Nice review! Hitchhiker's is one of my family's favorite movies. We quite it often, and though I haven't read the books, I feel like it achieved more than another adaptation could have.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm yet to get the younger members of my family on board (they think it's far too weird) but me any my parents absolutely love it. My Dad reminded me that I had seen the BBC version of this too, but I don't remember! I'm going to have to re-watch it :)
Delete- Allie